Which of the following is the order of succession in a hydrosere?
I. Rooted aquatic plants-> phytoplankton->Free floating stage->Reed swamp stage-> Climax forest-> wood land stage-> Sedge Meadow stage
II. Rooted aquatic plants-> wood land stage->Rooted floating stage-> Sedge Meadow stage-> Reed swamp stage-> phytoplankton-> Climax forest
III. Phytoplankton->Rooted aquatic plants->Free floating stage->Reed swamp stage-> wood land stage-> Sedge Meadow stage-> Climax forest
Iv. Phytoplankton->Rooted aquatic plants->Rooted floating stage->Reed swamp stage->Sedge Meadow stage-> wood land stage-> Climax forest.
Serial stages in hydrarch succession
1. Phytoplankton stage - The first organisms that inhabit the water bodies are the microalgae- phytoplankton.
2.Rooted Submerged stage - Organic matter from dead phytoplanktons serves as a new habitat for growth of some rooted submerged hydrophytes like hydrilla, vallisneria, utricularia and many other plants.
3.Rooted Floating Stage- Humus formed by dead rooted submerged plants support other types of plants. The area is now invaded by anchored rooted hydrophytes with large leaves floating on the water surface like Nymphea, Trapa, etc.
4.Reed swamp stage - Also called the amphibious stage is initiated in extremely shallow waters. Plants like Scirpus, Typha, Phragmites, etc. replace the floating plants. These plants are only partly submerged in water.
5.Sedge meadow stage - The reed swamp stage is followed by sedge meadow stage and is characterized by plants like Carex (Sedge), Juncus, Dichanthium, etc. They form a mat like vegetation and increases the organic matter in the soil.
6.Woodland stage - As more and more plants gradually invade the area, fertility of soil increases due to increase in organic matter. This creates the environment supporting growth of larger terrestrial plants. These plants include Cornus (Bogwood), Cephalanthus (Button Brush), etc.
7.Forest stage - This is the climax community after six seral stages in hydrarch succession. For example, tropical deciduous or monsoon forests, tropical rain forests etc.